Now that you are pregnant,12 tips to give birth to a health baby.
Hello @ steemians, It is very important to note this tips,remember,pregnancy is not a time to be dieting! Don't stop eating or start skipping meals as your weight increases. Both you and your baby need calories and nutrition you receive from a healthy diet.
Do you want to give birth to a healthy baby?Here are 12 things every pregnant women must do.
A. Avoid exposure to toxic substances and chemicals -such as cleaning solvents,lead and mercury,some insecticides,and paint. pregnant women should avoid exposure to paint fumes.
B. Be sure to see your doctor and get prenatal care as soon as you think you're pregnant. it's important to see your doctor regularly throughout pregnancy,
So be sure to keep all your prenatal care appointments.
Breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for both you and your baby. Talk to your doctor, your family and friends,and your employer about how you choose to feed your baby and how they can support you in your decision.
C. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the chances of premature birth,
certain birth defects,and infant death. women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely than other women to have a miscarriage and to have a baby born with a cleft lip or cleft palate- types of birth defects. Smoking is one of the causes of problems with the placenta and can cause a baby to be born too early and have low birth weight. Smoking is also one of the causes of sudden infant Death syndrome(SIDS).
D. Drink extra fluids (water is best) throughout pregnancy to help your body keep up with the increases in your blood volume .Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water,fruit juice,or milk each day
.A good way to know you're drinking enough fluid is when your urine looks like almost -clear
water or is very light yellow.
E. Eat healthy to get the nutrient you and your unborn baby need. your meals should include the five basic food groups. Each day you should get the following 6-11 servings of grain products,3-5 servings of vegetables,3-4 servings of meat and protein foods. foods low in fat and high in fibre are important to a healthy diet.
F. Take 400 micrograms of folic acid daily both before pregnancy and during the first. few months of pregnancy to reduce the risks of birth defects of the brain and spine .All women who could possibly become pregnant should take a vitamin with folic acid,everyday. it is also important to eat a healthy diet with fortified foods ( enriched grain products , including cereals,rice,breads, and pastas) and foods with natural sources of folate ( beef liver, spinach, orange juice, green leafy vegetables,
beans, peanuts, broccoli, asparagus, peas, and lentils.
G. Genetic testing should be done appropriately.
Its important to know your family history. If there have been problems with pregnancies or birth defects in your family,report these to your doctor. Also, genetic counselors can talk with you about the information you might need in making decisions about having a family. you can call a major medical center in your area for help in finding a board - certified genetic counselor.
H. Hand- washing is important throughout the day,especially after handling raw meat or using the bathroom. This can help prevent the spread of many bacteria and viruses that cause infection.
I. Take 30 milligrams of iron during you pregnancy as prescribed by your doctor to reduce the risk of anemia later in pregnancy. All women of childbearing age should eat a diet rich iron.
J.join a support group,or join a class on parenting or childbirth.
L. Illegal drugs such as alcohol and caffeine are important issues for pregnant women. There is no known safe amount of alcohol a woman can drink while pregnant. Fetal alcohol syndrome,a disorder characterised by growth retardation,
Facial abnormalities,and central nervous system dysfunction,is caused by woman's use of alcohol during pregnancy .caffeine,found in tea,coffee,soft drinks and chocolate,should also be limited. Be sure to read labels when trying to cut down on caffeine during pregnancy .More than 200 foods,beverages,and over the counter medications contain caffeine!